The Russellville Democrat. [volume] (Russellville, Ark.) 1875-1898, 1887-10-05

stances, such as the golden threads
known rs avanturine, with, ruby
enamel are astonishing The exact
ness, the regularity and the consecu-
tive order displayed in these combine
tons indicate skill in the manipulating
process not yet attained by any other
glass workers in the world. Some Of
these things appear as II they were
done with lady's knitting needle,
and belonged to embroidery rather
than glass. 1t is almost impossible in
several instances, to trace out the
maze by discovering how they had
placed these threads at starting. The
more closely they are examined, the
more there is TO wonder at
the executive powers of the
workmen. One thing TO be greatly
commended is the way in which they
prevent their long fancy glasses from
cracking in the feet All their elabo-
rate goblets and dishes are made in
different sections and joined at the fin
ish. For instance. there was first the
dish (the body only. then the stem
distinct as piece, then the foot, all
made separate. then the punty stuck
inside the dish, and after this fashion
all the separate parts are joined, and
so the risk considerably lessened by
letting the foot and stem be the last
part of the work, and not the body as
in sometimes the case. The chief
thing required is great care that the
punty inside the dish should be so
regulated as that no mark can be seen
of it after the article is finished.
One great drawback to some Y enc
tan glass is liability to iniurc from
use. 1t is so fragile in structure that
the greatest possible care can scarce
ly prevent its being broken. One
great principle of domestic economy
is that all articles for domestic use
should be made capable of rea-
sonable amount of durability In this
particular Venetian glass is
certainly deficient, for the outer sur
face is so ornamented with prunts and
pinchings and breakable pieces, that
even the merest touch of the hem of
lady's garment is sufficient to break it.
and when it is considered that every
time these glasses are used they re-
quire to be thoroughly cleaned in order
that their surfaces may be bright. this
fault becomes q very grave one 1t
has indeed been a question with some
whether Venetian glass can be proper
ly considered as applicable to domestic
purposes at all, they contending that
it is only an art production. This con-
sidcration initiates greatly against
this kind of glass work. In examining
the pinchings at the top of handles and
stems sharp projections are discovered
which would make it it impossible for
them to be cleaned otherwise than by
a most elaborate exercise of care;
where servants have TO be employed,
this becomes a serious source of ex-
pendilure.
Another notable feature in the Vene-
tian productions is the want of ac-
curacy and precision in their shape.
vi btOhcii Ottllllt Stfstpci 10
one of the most distressing character
istics that can be conceived. Some
critics have affirmed that perfection of
outline and proportion interfcres with
the freedom of design. This is, how
ever, refuted by an appeal to the art
productions of Greece. which are
correct in outline, and
capable of construction by the applica-
ton of few geometrical principles.
Surely truth is as much required in the
art of glass blowing rs it is in logic
and other sciences. There remains.
Notwithstanding its flights. in this
Venetian glass much to admire. In the
graceful interlacing Of soft and chaste
colors and delicate threading there is
love of true art. with all the wonder
full subtlety and grace. and leads one
TO hope for the time when other work
men will rise above narrow local pref
udices and seek to add to their re-
sources the hints which may be drawn
from this difficult yet capable art in.
dustry. IN T. Herald.